CULLMAN, Ala. – Local nonprofit Curt’s Closet hosted its annual fundraising event, Clothed in Cullman, earlier this month. On Friday, May 16, it was announced that the fundraiser brought in an incredible $92,000.
Ashley Wilson founded Curt’s Closet to honor the legacy of her son Curtis, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in May 2017. She said Clothed in Cullman has been taking place annually since May 2019.
“Clothed in Cullman is an event that we, as an organization, look forward to every year,” she said. “It’s a time when the community truly rallies and shows support and love to Curt and his legacy. Much of our fiscal year funds are raised through this event and help Curt’s Closet continue to serve thousands of children in the community.”
Wilson shared that Clothed in Cullman is also the kickoff and opening date of the nonprofit’s “Bless Your Sole” campaign.
“For 2025, we have set a goal of $25,000 to send local kids back to school with a brand-new pair of shoes,” she said. “Last year, as part of our Back-to-School 2024, we were able to get over 1,300 pairs of new shoes onto the feet of Cullman’s children, in addition to clothing and new socks and undergarments they typically receive at Curt’s Closet.”
Wilson said Curt’s Closet is grateful to each and every supporter, donor, board member, sponsor and volunteer who helped make this year’s Clothed in Cullman such an overwhelming success.
“Each year, we are more blown away by the generosity shown by the community, and this year is no different,” Wilson said. “At this year’s event, which was held Thursday, May 8, Curt’s Closet raised $92,000 – a huge blessing. Funds raised will be used to ensure each child receives exactly what they need to start the new school year with confidence, as well as providing a beautiful Christmas to hundreds of children in our community.”
The idea for Curt’s Closet took root in 2017. In an effort to show the community the same love that was shown after she lost her son, Wilson started gathering clothes for children and families who were struggling.
“I wanted to make sure that as many children as possible knew that they were loved and worthy, starting with their clothing,” she said. “Starting in my home with this organization, the need in the community grew.”
In 2018, Wilson expanded to a small, repurposed church building on St. Joseph Street, and in 2021 moved to a much larger facility at 1101 Third Ave. SE. The current location has not one, but two warehouses to accommodate the growing ministry.
Since 2018, she said, Curt’s Closet has been able to share God’s love with thousands of local children.
There are many ways to be involved with Curt’s Closet.
“We are always looking for volunteers,” Wilson said. “We utilize volunteers to sort, wash and fold donations, as well as tasks around the office. For our fundraisers, events and daily operations throughout the year, volunteers play such an important role in our organization.”
About Curt’s Closet
Curt’s Closet serves children, teens and some adults through a need-based qualification process, plus children referred by school principals or counselors, the Cullman County Department of Human Resources and Victim Services of Cullman. The ministry also makes its resources available in emergency circumstances like house fires. Qualified kids and their parents/caretakers get to come and “shop” in an inviting space that is far more like a shop than a charity clothing closet, and walk out with dignity and a selection of high-quality clothing and accessories – a fair bit of it brand new, thanks to local donors and businesses – at no charge.
The organization is constantly taking donations of new or lightly used clothing, shoes and fashion accessories, along with still packaged new underwear and socks. Money is always welcome, too! Donations can be dropped off at the facility at 1101 Third Ave. SE in Cullman, as well as a number of other locations around town.
Wilson’s growing programs also need volunteers. Volunteer registration forms and a full list of drop-off points are available at https://sites.google.com/view/curtscloset.
To donate, volunteer or seek assistance, visit https://sites.google.com/view/curtscloset or www.facebook.com/cw20curtscloset, call 256-735-4557 or email curtscloset20@gmail.com.
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